TP-Link TL-SF1008P 8-Port PoE Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The TP-Link TL-SF1008P is a compact unmanaged network switch with eight Fast Ethernet ports, four of which can also power devices over the same cable. It's aimed at small home and office networks that need to connect cameras, wireless access points or IP phones where there's no nearby power outlet. Here is what its specs mean.

What PoE does

Power over Ethernet (PoE) sends electrical power along the network cable together with data. A camera or access point can then be mounted on a ceiling or outside wall with one cable and no power adapter. On this switch, ports 1 to 4 supply power and ports 5 to 8 are standard data ports. TP-Link describes the four PoE ports as 802.3at/af, with up to 30W per port on the product page, while its description lists a maximum of 15.4W per port and a 53W total. Because the two statements differ, check TP-Link's own specification sheet for your exact version before planning around the higher number.

Fast Ethernet speeds

The ports run at 10/100Mbps, known as Fast Ethernet, rather than Gigabit. That's plenty for most IP cameras, VoIP phones and many access points on modest connections, but it caps a single device at 100Mbps. If you plan to move large files between computers through the switch, a Gigabit model would be a better fit.

Priority mode and overload protection

Every PoE switch has a limit on the total power it can supply. TP-Link says that when the connected devices together call for 53W or more, the switch ranks the PoE ports and cuts power to the lowest-priority one: port 1 first in rank, then 2, 3 and 4. Its example is three devices drawing 15.4W each, followed by a fourth device that pushes demand over the limit. In that case port 4 is switched off to protect the rest. Priority mode is also described as supporting ports 1 and 2 for video or voice traffic.

Extend mode for long runs

Ethernet cable is normally limited to about 100 metres. In Extend mode, TP-Link says data and power can reach up to 250m, with speed dropping to 10Mbps. That can suit a camera at the far end of a yard or building, where a low data rate is enough.

Auto recovery, case and warranty

The PoE auto-recovery button is described as detecting and rebooting a dropped or unresponsive powered device. The casing is metal, and the switch is fanless, so it makes no fan noise. It's designed to sit on a desk or be mounted on a wall. It measures about 6.7 x 3.9 x 1.1 inches (171 x 98 x 27mm). TP-Link lists a three-year warranty and technical support during stated hours. Setup is plug and play, with no software.

Who it suits

It suits small home or office networks adding a few PoE cameras, an access point or a phone, and anyone who wants a quiet, simple switch with nothing to configure.

What to check before you buy

• Power draw: add up the wattage of every PoE device and compare it with the switch's total PoE power limit.
• Standards: confirm your cameras or access points use standard 802.3af or 802.3at PoE.
• Speed: check that 100Mbps per port is enough for your devices.
• Cable length: use Extend mode only where a reduced 10Mbps link is acceptable.
• Mounting: decide on desk or wall placement and the cable route.
• In the box: the switch, power cord, power adapter and installation guide.

The short version

• An eight-port 10/100Mbps unmanaged switch, four ports with PoE.
• Priority mode protects the system when total power demand is too high.
• Extend mode reaches up to 250m at reduced speed.
• Fanless metal case, desktop or wall mounting, no setup software.
• Three-year warranty, according to TP-Link.

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